Bantayan Island – Suggested Itinerary in this piece of Paradise
Bantayan Island – Cebu’s piece of Paradise
Located in the northernmost part of Cebu Province, Bantayan Island is more than just Camp Sawi or its famous Kota Beach and Sandbar. This 3-municipality island is Cebu’s escape and offers a more laid-back atmosphere than anywhere in the province. As big as the island of Siquijor, Bantayan Island is a paradise on its own. I have not laid any expectations when I got here since it is my first time, and it did not disappoint. From their friendly locals, good food, and historic sites, this island is a totally different world, I can say. For our short-but-sweet 2-days stay, we have explored 2/3 of Bantayan. Without keeping you reading more, here are some of the places in Bantayan Island that you can visit, explore, and discover during your stay:
Read also: Bantayan Island Travel Guide
Municipality of Sta. Fe
This municipality is the main gateway to Bantayan Island. In here, you get to experience their cladded white sand beaches and sandbar and most of their nightlife and local life, too!
Port of Sta. Fe
This iconic main port in the island is the ‘main entrance’ to Bantayan. After disembarking from the barge / RoRo, you need to walk a little bit about 10-15 minutes before reaching the port’s transport terminal. From there, you need to show your confirmed hotel / hostel booking in the port and your pre-registered QR codes for verification. We also paid ₱ 30.00 each for the island’s ecological fee. After which, you get to ride a tricycle or a ‘motorela’ outside the terminal going to your booked accommodation.
Sta. Fe Beach Club / Ogtong Cave
Ogtong Cave is one of Bantayan’s well-kept secrets. This natural rock formation is what makes the place more pleasing to eye and its indoor natural pool is one that you could not have even imagined. Unfortunately, when we went there, the staff did not let us in as the cave already reached its maximum capacity. I hope that I get to see the cave first-hand soon! The entrance fee to the cave is ₱ 225.00 and is consumable on food and drinks.
OMaGIECA / Obo-ob Mangrove Garden and Eco-Park
If you have already watched the movie “Camp Sawi,” this is where they have shot the film which made Bantayan Island an up-and-coming tourist destination in Northern Cebu. “OMaGIECA” actually stands for “Obo-ob Mangrove Garden Integrated Ecotourism Conservation Association” which conserves and propagates different species of mangroves in Bantayan. The eco-park itself has a lot of sights to offer on its bamboo stilts pathway with mangroves on every inch of the property.
It also overlooks the Visayan Sea, and you can also enjoy several water activities like kayaking during high tide. The entrance fee to the eco-park is at ₱ 55.00, with entrance fee and ecological fee included.
Sandira / Paradise Beach
Sandira Beach, also known as ‘Paradise Beach,’ is one of the much quieter shorelines in Bantayan. Located just a few kilometers from the Omagieca Mangrove Garden, this piece of white sand beach will bring you to a different dimension. Simple as it seems, this peaceful solace is one of my favorite places in the island.
With fishing pens from afar, you get to see and experience the calm waters of Sandira Beach. Its interesting topography, too, is what makes the place unique from the other shorelines in Bantayan. From the interesting terrain going inside the area to its contrasting green, gray, and white colors of the grass, limestone rocks, and sand makes the beach a paradise.
The Ruins
This unusual tourist spot in Sta. Fe has also become popular because of the movie “Camp Sawi.” This ruins also has a good vantage point of the Visayan Sea because its location is just along the shoreline and the ruins is located on the limestone rock formations hugging the shore.
From its Instagram-worthy views and angle-worthy location, The Ruins’ legend has it that this house was destroyed by strong typhoons in the past and since then, the house has been a favorite sport for basking or just getting the day pass by watching the sun set in the horizon.
Kota (Sugar) Beach
This shoreline is one of the most popular in the whole of Bantayan Island. Kota Beach is known for its white sand shores and its sandbar during the high tide season. When I went there to visit, it was low tide so the shore was a bit far and the sandbar can be seen but the water has subsided since.
Municipality of Bantayan
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church
As its markers have told it, the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church is believed to be the first parish to be established in Cebu in 1580. The church is known not only for its rock façade but also for its relief painting dubbed as “Dibuho Kisame” which was initiated in 2018-2019. This is the center of worship for Roman Catholics in the municipality and is one of the oldest.
Bantayan Public Plaza
Located just across the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church, the Bantayan Public Plaza is the place where common public events are being held. This common area, too, features a park and a playground for all residents to enjoy.
Port of Bantayan
The Port of Bantayan is the gateway of the municipality to nearby islands and municipalities surrounding the area. The port, too, is a popular destination because of the majestic sunsets that grace the area. The port is also a popular jump off point to Gigantes Islands in Carles, Iloilo (3-4 hours trip).
Bantayan Public Market
This is the main market in the municipality and what more can you ask for but there is danggit and other dried fish varieties in each corner! This famous dried fish is a staple delicacy and ‘pasalubong’ mostly found in the Visayas group of islands. Since then, different varieties of dried fish sprawled the market making it more interesting to buy all of what’s on display!
Municipality of Madridejos
Because of the location of this municipality, we have not visited this place just yet because of time constraints and its distance from Bantayan municipality is around 14-15 kilometers. But here are some of the places you can visit in Madridejos if you plan to stay in Bantayan for much longer.
Madridejos is also nicknamed the “Little Alaska of the Philippines” because of its rich fishing grounds and abundant marine produce especially on its shores. The municipality’s name was in honor of Benito Romero de Madridejos, a former archbishop of Cebu.
Kota Park
Bantay Baywalk
Maalat Baywalk
*Places that I will visit when I come back to Bantayan Island!
– Guiwanon Ocean Park (Bantayan)
– Balidbid Lagoon (Sta. Fe)
– Maricaban Cove (Sta. Fe)
– Kota Park (Madridejos)
– Bantay Baywalk (Madridejos)
– Maalat Baywalk (Madridejos)
Places to Eat in Bantayan Island
Bantayan Island is not only known for its rich history and culture, but it is also known for its culinary scene. Because of its reputation as an up-and-coming tourist destination in Northern Cebu, several food choices also have made its mark on the island. Here are some of the restaurants / cafés I have explored during my visit:
Municipality of Sta. Fe
MJ Square
MJ Square is probably the most popular food park in the whole of Sta. Fe. This food park houses several restaurants, souvenir shops, and bars. This place is also one of the cheapest in the island if you want to enjoy the local food scene on a budget.
Bantayan Burrito Company
Located inside MJ Square is the most famous Mexican-themed restaurant which is the Bantayan Burrito Company. Need I say more? Their burritos are not to be missed and their quesadillas are to die for. Not to mention, their staff are one of the friendliest we have encountered on our visit.
Liquido Bar
Liquido Bar is one of the highlights inside MJ Square. If you want to enjoy the island’s nightlife and meet new friends along the way, this is the place to be. Their drinks are generously served, and the sounds are just on beat! You can enjoy hanging out in here until 0100 H.
Coffee Corner by Indai
This quaint café located just across Dosdos Guest House is serving one of the best omelets in town. Their tuna omelets are a must try, paired with their home-brewed coffee – perfect to start the day!
Chef Panyang and Chef Don Restaurant
If you are into budget meals on the island, Chef Panyang and Chef Don Restaurant is one of the better options. They offer ₱ 69.00 breakfast meals and ₱ 185 eat-all-you-can pasta or pizza meals.
The Hungry Beach Co. / Of Buckets and Beaches
Located along Kota Beach, The Hungry Beach Co. is one of the food parks that are more laid-back in terms of its vibe and atmosphere. Composed of several restaurants, snack kiosks, and souvenir shops, this place is more relaxing as it is located just along the shore. Its atmosphere even gets better at night with all the chill and night lights surrounding the area. When we visited here, we ate a bucket full of seafood at the “Of Buckets and Beaches Restaurant” (a must-try!)
HR Restaurant
This gaming restaurant is one of the more interesting sights in Sta. Fe. Its unique theme of having a restaurant-slash-game area is what locals and foreigners alike are new to. You get to enjoy a wide range of international cuisines while enjoying a relaxing ambiance playing your favorite sport just right beside your table.
Twisted
If you have not tried fried ice cream all your life, Twisted is your answered prayer! This unusual dessert carefully made with tons of flavors is a dessert-saver for sweet-tooth people like me! There are also a lot of flavors to choose from (and they also offer milk tea and coffee beverages to complement the ice cream!)
Café Isabel
This hostel offers a variety of food and beverage choices while enjoying an al fresco setup enjoying the breeze outside the café’s garden. Its simple setup just reminds me of home – relaxing, calm, and everything rustic.
Other Restaurants that can be visited while in Sta. Fe!
– Tiki Bar
– Coucou Bar, Hotel and Restaurant
– Stumble Inn Beach Club
– Hello Spank Ice Cream
Municipality of Bantayan
Cool Up Ice Cream House
Because of our constant search for sweet stuff when we visited Bantayan, we bumped into this place when we were strolling around the Bantayan plaza to search for danggit (dried fish). Cool Up Ice Cream House offer refreshers and dessert cups that Is surely to satisfy not only your tastebuds but your sweet tooth as well. Their mango graham coolers is a must-try!
Other Restaurants that can be visited while in Bantayan!
– Tipsy Cabin
– Kermit’s Café and Pastry
– Zookeeper’s Café
– Bantayan Food Streat
– Bee’s Little Kitchen
Municipality of Madridejos
– KongFu Pizza
– Ziko Burgers
– The Myn Tea Hauz Café
Where to Stay in Bantayan
Since the island is becoming a popular tourist destination, several accommodations can be chosen for you to have a more complete experience of the island. From budget to mid-range, and to luxury rooms, everything according to your taste is almost present in every corner of the island. For our short stay in the island, we booked our stay in Ceda Guest House along F. Duarte Street, located just a few meters away from the Sta. Fe Public Market and MJ Square.
Ceda Guest House
Ceda Guest House is one of the accommodations in Bantayan that is unpretentiously surprising from the outside. Its simple façade is more than meets the eye. Upon entering, the minimalist design of the place makes the atmosphere more relaxing, and its interiors are not heavy to the eye. Their rooms are spacious, too, with a lot of room for baggage and other stuff that you might bring during your visit. Its roadside location is also ideal as it is just a stone-throw away from some of the islands best go-to places.
Other accommodation options that can be visited while in Bantayan Island!
– Amihan Beach Cabanas Resort
– Kota Beach Resort
– Chef Panyang Beach Resort
– Stumble Inn Beach Club
– La Playa Estrella Resort
– Mac Est Seaview Inn
– Marlins Beach Resort
– Sta. Fe Beach Club / Ogtong Cave Resort
– Anika Island Resort
– Jelly’s Haven Resort
– Cafemare Rooms
– Yooneek Beach Resort
Read also: Things to See and Do in Cebu (during a layover)
Suggested Itinerary and Expenses
| Day 1 | ||
| 0600 – 0730 H | Manila (NAIA) – Cebu (MCIA) | (depends) |
| 0900 – 0930 H | Mactan Airport – Northern Bus Terminal via MyBus (SM Cebu) | ₱ 35.00~ |
| 1000 – 1300 H | Northern Bus Terminal – Hagnaya Port (San Remigio) via Black Taxi | ₱ 300.00 |
| Lunch (Sta. Fe Port) | ₱ 300-500.00 | |
| 1330 – 1530 H | Hagnaya Port – Sta. Fe Port (Bantayan Island) + Terminal Fee | ₱ 305.00 |
| 1530 – 1545 H | Sta. Fe Port (Ecological Fee) | ₱ 30.00 |
| 1545 – 1600 H | Sta. Fe Port – selected Accommodation (tricycle) | ₱ 25.00 |
| 1600 – 1630 H | Go to Municipality of Bantayan Municipality (motorela) | ₱ 60.00 |
| 1630 – 1730 H | Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church + Bantayan Plaza (snacks) | ₱ 150.00 |
| 1730 – 1800 H | Sunset at Bantayan Port + Bantayan Municipal Hall | |
| 1800 – 1900 H | Buy pasalubong (Bantayan Market) | (depends) |
| 1900 – 1930 H | Go back to Sta. Fe (motorela) | ₱ 60.00 |
| 2030 – 0000 H | Dinner + Night Life (MJ Square – Bantayan Burrito Company, Liquido Bar) | ₱ 300-500.00 |
| Day 2 | ||
| 0630 – 0730 H | Breakfast (Chef Panyang’s) | ₱ 100.00 |
| 0800 – 1100 H | Island Hopping (Hilantagaan + Virgin Islands) | ₱ 1,000-1,500.00 |
| 1100 – 1200 H | Lunch (HR Restaurant) | ₱ 300-400.00 |
| 1230 – 1800 H | Island Hopping Tour | ₱ 600-700.00 |
| 1300 – 1400 H | Sta. Fe Beach Club (Ogtong Cave) | ₱ 225.00 (consumable) |
| 1415 – 1515 H | Omagieca / Obo-ob Mangrove Garden (entrance + ecological fee) | ₱ 55.00 |
| 1530 – 1600 H | Sandira / Paradise Beach | ₱ 60.00 |
| 1615 – 1700 H | The Ruins | |
| 1700 – 1800 H | Kota Beach | |
| 1815 – 1930 H | Dinner (The Hungry Beach Co. / Of Buckets and Beaches) | ₱ 200.00~ |
| 2000 – 2200 H | Midnight Snack (Twisted Ice Cream + Café Isabel) | ₱ 200.00~ |
| Day 3 | ||
| 0630 – 0730 H | Breakfast (Chef Umi no Café) | ₱ 150.00 |
| 0900 – 1100 H | Sta. Fe Port – Hagnaya Port (fare + terminal fee) | ₱ 305.00 |
| 1100 – 1400 H | San Remigio – Cebu City (black taxi) | ₱ 300.00 |
| 1430 – 1600 H | Late Lunch (House of Lechon) | ₱ 300-350.00 |
| 1600 – 1730 H | Trip to Mactan-Cebu International Airport | (depends) |
| 2000 – 2130 H | Cebu (MCIA) – Manila (NAIA) | (depends) |
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
